Pubdate: Wed, 6 Aug 2003 Source: Honolulu Star-Bulletin (HI) Contact: 2003 Honolulu Star-Bulletin Website: http://www.starbulletin.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/196 Author: Rod Antone Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) Note: To read about the "ice epidemic" in Hawaii, go to http://www.mapinc.org/areas/Hawaii . 'ICE' TAKES CENTER STAGE AT LINGLE TALK The state's war on the so-called "ice" epidemic in Hawaii was the recurring theme at Gov. Linda Lingle's first "talk story" session in Kailua last night. Between the questions about charter schools and new roads, community members came up often to talk about how "ice," or crystal methamphetamine, affects their lives almost every week. "On my street, my neighbors was getting busted," said Waimanalo resident Andy Jamila about a raid on a Mekia Street residence yesterday involving allegations of identity theft and ice use. "You gotta go to the next level, governor," he said. "Neighbors gotta turn in neighbors and families gotta turn in families." About 250 people packed the sweltering Kailua High School cafeteria for the first of Lingle's statewide town meetings to talk about community issues and concerns. People asked questions using microphones while others submitted written questions, some anonymously, that were read by Sen. Bob Hogue (R, Kailua-Kaneohe). "My neighbors are selling drugs," read Hogue from one questionnaire. "Is there a safe, confidential way to report this? Many people are afraid to turn in their neighbors due to repercussions." Lingle said, "One of the issues that has come up consistently has been the frustration of the public calling police because they know something is going on in the house next door on the block." However, Lingle added, "police need some evidence and are understaffed in the City and County of Honolulu." Other issues included whether the state can even the playing field for local companies to vie for big government contracts with the military for projects in Hawaii. One question addressed sending local inmates to mainland prisons. "Sending prisoners to the mainland is not a good approach ... it's never good to separate inmates from their families," said Lingle. "It's also not smart to take $35 million out of our state and give it to other states." Lingle said after the meeting that she was happy to have covered so many issues within the two hours. "I like the variety of issues that came up," she said. "Especially about the children of prisoners ... that's a very important issue." Lingle was referring to the testimony of Malia Staggs, the ex-wife of Duane Staggs, convicted of the Sept. 28, 1996, murder of his boss, Don Mike Gillis, near the Arizona Memorial. Malia Staggs said that when her ex-husband went to prison in 1997 she was left with a then-3-year-old son and few options. "There was no support for us seven years ago," said Staggs in tears at the microphone. "And there are so many other kids at risk." Lingle's next "Talk Story" meeting is Saturday from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Royal Lahaina Hotel on Maui. - --- MAP posted-by: Doc-Hawk